Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition with roots in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Originating from early central Mexico, among the Aztecs and Nahua people, the holiday reflects the people’s never ending view of life and death and recognizing mortality as an important part of existence. After the Spanish conquest, these customs merged with Catholic practices to form the modern celebration of Día de los Muertos, observed annually from October 31st to November 2nd. Families honor loved ones who have passed by leaving food and offerings on graves, hosting events, and lighting pathways to guide spirits back home.
This year, Fort Hamilton High School embraced the spirit of this cultural celebration with a creative twist: a Sip-and-Paint session hosted by the Chicano Club. The event invited students to paint calaveras, or sugar skulls, on canvases while sipping traditional Mexican drinks like horchata. The initiative was designed to foster an appreciation for the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos while providing a welcoming space for students to connect.
“We decided to give the event a modern twist by organizing a sip-and-paint session themed around Día de los Muertos,” said the Chicano Club advisor Mr. Torres. “The idea was to create an engaging and welcoming environment where students could connect with the holiday’s traditions in a hands-on and creative way.”
The session turned out to be much more than just an artistic activity. For many, it was an opportunity to learn about the meaning behind Día de los Muertos and its importance in celebrating life and legacy. Students, some with prior knowledge of the tradition and others experiencing it for the first time, came together in a convivial atmosphere.
“The significance of this event goes beyond painting or sipping on drinks—it’s about celebrating the essence of Día de los Muertos: remembering and honoring our loved ones while sharing those values with others,” Mr. Torres said.
The Chicano Club, founded to provide students with a platform to explore and celebrate their heritage, has consistently prioritized events that encourage cultural awareness and community engagement.
“Our goal is to not only preserve our traditions but also make them accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of their background,” Mr. Torres added.
The Sip-and-Paint session highlighted the importance of blending tradition with modern and inclusive approaches to bring people together.
“Seeing students come together to create art, learn, and connect was incredibly meaningful,” Mr. Torres said. “It reinforced the importance of our traditions in building community and fostering understanding.”
As students painted colorful sugar skulls and sipped on sweet horchata, they weren’t just creating art—they were engaging in a meaningful tradition that emphasizes remembrance, unity, and shared cultural values. By bridging cultural education with hands-on creativity, the Chicano Club succeeded in turning a centuries-old tradition into a memorable experience for the Fort Hamilton community.
